I trust in the squad – Emma Hayes vows to find ‘solutions’ without Sam Kerr
Emma Hayes and Chelsea set out on their FA Cup defence without Sam Kerr (Adam Davy/PA)
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes feels her side are fully prepared to kick off their FA Cup title defence without prolific striker Sam Kerr, who scored the winner in last year’s Wembley final.
The Australia captain on Thursday underwent surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Women’s Super League-leading Blues first have to find their way past West Ham, who have already been active in the transfer window with the signings of Shelina Zadorsky, Katrina Gorry and Kerr’s fiancee Kristie Mewis, while Chelsea have added defender Nathalie Bjorn from Everton.
Hayes, whose trophy cabinet already includes five FA Cups, said: “I know Sam would expect me to say nothing less. Our focus has got to be on the players that are fit and a good challenge for me is to find those solutions.
“I trust in the squad that we have and we’ve added to that as well.”
The competition’s overall prize pot has been doubled to almost £6million this season, with a minimum £54,000 for fourth-round winners while the losing clubs receive £13,000 – up from £15,000 and £3,750 respectively.
West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner said: “The cup is an incentive in itself but the prize money is a huge incentive, because it’s a significant amount of money when you’re talking about players and making additions.
“Increasing the prize money is really important in helping the growth of the game.”
Fifth-tier Luton are the lowest-ranked team remaining and will face WSL competition for the first time when they host Brighton.
Albion head coach Melissa Phillips said: “The FA Cup is such a special event, the history of the tournament, the
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